Saudi Professional League Title

Lore & Background

Al-Hilal are the most successful Saudi club, having won a record 19 Saudi Pro League titles. The club were the inaugural winners when the Saudi Premier League came into existence in the 1976–77 season, and also won the league title in 1978–79. In the 1980s, the club won four league titles. In the 1990s and early 2000s, Al-Hilal achieved league titles in 1995–96, 1997–98, and 2001–02. During the 2003–2011 period, Al-Hilal won the league in 2004–05, 2007–08, 2009–10, and 2010–11. The 2007–08 title was clinched on the final matchday with a 1–0 win over Al-Ittihad in Jeddah, with Yasser Al-Qahtani scoring the winning goal. Under manager Eric Gerets in the 2009–10 season, Al-Hilal dominated the league and were crowned champions with three games to spare.

In Their Own Story

The roar of the King Fahd Stadium fades into a hum as the referee blows the final whistle. Blue shirts embrace on the grass, eyes fixed on the silver cup being brought onto the pitch by dignitaries. The weight of history settles upon the captain's shoulders as he lifts the trophy high above his head. Confetti rains down in shades of blue and white, marking another chapter written in ink for the record books.

Reader's Guide

Al-Hilal's league success is built on a blend of local talent and foreign stars. Notable local players from the source include Yousuf Al-Thunayan, Sami Al-Jaber, Nawaf Al-Temyat, Mohammed Al-Shalhoub, Abdallah Al-Jamaan, Ahmad Al-Dokhi, and Yasser Al-Qahtani. Foreign players mentioned include Brazilian legends Mario Zagallo and Rivellino, Zambian defender Elijah Litana, South Korean right back Lee Young-pyo, Romanian defensive midfielder Mirel Rădoi, Swedish winger Christian Wilhelmsson, and Brazilian attacking midfielder Thiago Neves. Managers include Cosmin Olăroiu, Eric Gerets, and Gabriel Calderon.

Did You Know?

• Al-Hilal has won a record 19 Saudi Pro League titles.
• The club was the inaugural winner of the Saudi Premier League in 1976–77.
• Al-Hilal won the 2007–08 league title on the final matchday with a 1–0 victory over Al-Ittihad in Jeddah, with Yasser Al-Qahtani scoring the winning goal.
• Under Eric Gerets in 2009–10, Al-Hilal won the league with three games to spare.